Contrary to popular belief, waterproof and protective shoe coverings aren’t reserved for individuals from the early 19th century, modern doctors in operating rooms and obsessive sneaker enthusiasts. Otherwise known as goloshes, shoe covers are highly practical pieces of kit which have many applications across industries, sports and hobbies – including cycling.
What are cycling overshoes?
Cycling overshoes, much like traditional goloshes, are a type of protective covering which helps to keep your feet and ankles dry during rainy bike rides.
Winter overshoes equipped with innovative insulating materials can also be purchased to help keep trotters warm during those months when the mercury drops below zero. Likewise, summer overshoes protect against unexpected downpours while maintaining aerodynamics.
What are the benefits of cycling overshoes?
Not only do cycling overshoes protect your precious tootsies from inclement weather conditions, but they also prevent your expensive clip-ins from succumbing to premature wear and tear.
Though it takes a little bit of practice to get used to slipping in and out of aerodynamic overshoes due to the often skin-tight fit, once you experience the fantastic thermal and protective benefits, you’ll never go back to wearing cycling shoes alone.
What should you consider before purchasing cycling overshoes?
- Visibility: add to your hi-vis cycling collection with a pair of overshoes which feature some handy reflective details and luminescent colourways.
- Quick-dry: there’s nothing worse than finally finding cover from the wind and rain and shedding your protective gear, only to realise by the time you need to leave your shelter that your outerwear isn’t yet dry. Quick-dry goloshes will also make slipping them on at the end of the work day easier than if they remained damp.
- Season: depending on the season, you might require different levels of insulation. Consider the lining of the overshoe in question before investing in an expensive pair.
- Adjustability: overshoes are often offered in broad size ranges, so it’s important to go for a pair that has an adjustable fastening to ensure a snug, insulating fit.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best cycling shoes on the market below. Keep scrolling for high-performance goloshes.
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Men’s Windchill Overshoe – Hi-Viz Yellow
Offering supreme visibility and insulating warmth on rainy rides, the Windchill Overshoe from Endura features a light brushed lining, deep elastic cuff with a sturdy silicone gripper and highly durable sole fabrics. Not only is the luminescent yellow colour hard to miss, but the shoe is also complete with two reflective stripes on the rear.
Buy now £37.99, Endura
Gorewear Gore-Tex Overshoes
When it comes to breathable waterproofing, there’s only one brand that immediately springs to mind. Gore-Tex is the industry leader for a reason, and its active technology provides waterproof, windproof and wonderfully airy protection. The Velcro back fastening can be width adjusted for the perfect fit while reflective details ensure riders are noticed no matter the weather. These overshoes have open soles for slip-on and slip-off practicality and ease.
Buy now £57.16, Amazon
Btwn City Cycling Waterproof Overshoes 900
Practical and highly packable, these value-for-money overshoes from BTWN needn’t just be used for rainy cycling days. They’ll also work fabulously to protect your favourite kickers during unexpected torrential downpours, so long as you keep a pair in your backpack at all times.
Buy now £24.99, Decathlon
SEALSKINZ Hempton All Weather Closed-Sole Cycle Overshoe
Reflective, lightweight and offered in a variety of stylish hi-vis colourways, these water-repellent and insulating cycling shoes by SEALSKINZ are lightweight and streamlined, which means they can be used in all weather conditions – whether it be during humid torrential downpours, frigid rain or mild but damp conditions. We were particularly impressed by the extra strong Kevlar heel and toe, which has been designed to withstand the wear and tear of repeatedly clicking in and out of pedals.
Buy now £35.53, Amazon
Universal Colours Mono Overshoes
Perhaps the most stylish overshoes we’ve come across, the Mono Overshoes by Universal Colours are insulated with Polartec Alpha Direct, a unique knitted and aerated structure which wicks away sweat but maintains airflow and retains heat. Insulation is further aided by an innovative foil membrane, while the waterproof outer shell is unbeatably soft and stretchy for fuss-free wearability.
Buy now £60.00, Sigma Sports
Giro Ambient Water and Wind Resistant Neoprene Toe Cover
In lighter downpours, it’s often only the tops of your feet that get wet during bike rides. This is where handy toe covers come in clutch. The Ambient neoprene toe covers by Giro are wind and water-resistant and are also backed with an anti-microbial thermal fleece for extra insulation. Small but mighty, they’re also equipped with reflective details.
Buy now £37.99, Tredz
Dexshell Lightweight Overshoes
We were drawn to these hi-vis overshoes due to the adjustable, silicone gripper at the cuff of the boot for a slip-free fit. The lightweight option is highly water-resistant thanks to the polyurethane-coated fabric, while the open-sole with hook and loop strap can fit over almost any cycling shoe.
Buy now £40.00, Evans Cycles
GripGrab RaceAero
Offered in dopamine-boosting colours ranging from royal blue to bright pink, GripGrab’s RaceAero is a lightweight and aerodynamic summer cycling overshoe designed to protect trotters from unexpected weather conditions. The super high-stretch fabric provides a race-fit finish while pre-cut cleat and heel holes make slipping over your clip-ins easy as pie.
Buy now £17.47, Amazon
